Role purpose

As the Deputy Director, Research and Development (Drugs and drug-device combinations) on the Women’s Health Innovation team, you will lead the clinical development team and will focus on advancing the Contraceptive Technology, and STI drugs strategies and goals. This is a high level and critical position which requires strategic thinking, leadership, portfolio management, and exceptional relationship skills. The role prioritizes deep, hands-on expertise in industry-based product development for drugs, or drug–device combination products.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead overall drug/device development within WHI, including strategy development, operational execution aligned with strategy, and accountability for outcomes and impact measures. Emphasis will be on end-to-end drug and drug–device product development rigor and decision-making.
• Lead and manage the drug/device development team, and the execution of a growing and complex portfolio of investments focused on contraceptive technologies, STI therapeutics, and emerging areas of therapeutic development work in heavy menstrual bleeding. Make strategic, data driven decisions, and be comfortable in settings where incomplete information is available.
• Manage direct reports and provide matrix leadership to partners within the foundation. Provide oversight for WHI funded activities that are implemented by matrix partners within the foundation including Discovery Drugs, Integrated (Drug) Development (IDEV), Regulatory, regional country offices, and aspects of new product launch planning. Ensure alignment with industry-standard product development, CMC, and phase-gate practices.
• Design new strategies, collaborations, and implementation plans to ensure impact and sustainability, with a view towards nearer term and longer-term outcomes.
• Manage and implement a program that aligns with foundation strategy and is operationally integrated within the WHI program strategy team (PST) and other foundation programs.
• Own decision making for all grant approvals within delegation of authority (DOA) and critical review and recommendation of grants that require Director and above DOA.
• Responsible for reviewing concept notes and grant proposals and collaborating with colleagues to provide clear, concise, and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding for pre-clinical and clinical development for contraception portfolio. Consult with grantees and other partners to maximize impact of projects by ensuring grants align with and drive toward meeting strategy goals for contraception portfolio and potential synergies across WHI’s broader portfolio.
• Represent the foundation with key program-related external constituencies, as appropriate, on committees related to area of expertise and responsibilities of the position including being a spokesperson at public facing events and management of key high profile partner relationships.
• Responsible for the hiring and managing the talent needed to achieve the team’s and foundation’s goals.
• Actively contribute to the WHI Leadership team, including WHI-wide strategy, with a collective focus on WHI’s goals and objectives. Contribute and collaborate across the WHI team to achieve PST-wide goals. Contribute to WHI team culture and initiatives.
• Foster enabling conditions for talent to thrive and be accountable for inclusive team culture.
• Model and coach equitable decision-making, inclusive behaviors, and actions; address escalated issues in a timely fashion.

Profile

• Advanced degree required MD and/or PhD, in a relevant life science; experience in women’s health drug or drug/device development is a preferred Significant leadership experience, at least 10 years, in research and development of drugs, medical devices or drug device combination products in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, academic and/or medical research environments. Preference for experience in leading teams in early and late phase clinical development, or medical affairs or regulatory with significant interactions with clinical development in a women's health indication (with a preference for contraception).
• Proven ability to manage effectively across a complex matrix organization with multiple stakeholders and constituents with ability and gravitas to align teamwork towards singular goal.
• Experience in most phases of product development within the pharma / biotech industry and familiarity with regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability in strategic pharma/biotech portfolio development and management, including trade offs and decision making in settings of ambiguity.
• Strong knowledge of biopharmaceutical industry and end to end drug/device development, manufacturing, and launch, including discovery, development, commercial launch.
• Analytical skills required to interpret clinical and preclinical data.
• Problem solves using data driven methods and innovative approaches.
• Portfolio management (in pharma/ biotech context) and associated tools.
• Risk assessment and management including mitigation and contingency plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, experience presenting information to senior leaders.
• Strong ability to build and manage high profile external relationships.
• Experience in LMICs is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Terms of Appointment

The salary range for this role is $322,000 to $499,100 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $350,700 to $543,600 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.

Role Location

This role is based in Seattle, WA, however, open to a remote position within the United States, with the flexibility to travel as needed.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 19 November 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT -7 ). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Gates Foundation to undertake this assignment.